My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. —James 1: 2-3

When the space shuttle was being built, NASA knew that as it re-entered the earth's atmosphere, it would be exposed to extreme heat and pressure. To withstand that stress, they designed special heat-resistant tiles to protect the shuttle, but they couldn't send the shuttle off without first putting the tiles through extreme tests. Those tests were not designed to destroy the tiles but to prove their strength.

In the same way, God designs tests for us— tests that prove His strength, His faithfulness. Each test demonstrates God's character more clearly for us.

Each test help us to rely on Jesus just a little bit more.

It is not easy to feel joyful during a trial, but this Scripture tells us we need to do so. The joy comes from looking beyond the testing to the fruit it will bear. Paul said, "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5: 3-4).

God wants to bring you into a spiritual maturity and into a deeper relationship with Himself. So the next time you find yourself going through a heavy testing, count it all joy. Realize you are getting closer to the purposes of God being accomplished in you.

Father, we pray that You will help us to rejoice in our tribulations.

Lord, help us to look beyond the present adverse circumstances

to the fruit of righteousness that will come in our lives as the result